Maine shooting: New details emerge in Robert Card's death

Police had been searching for suspect Robert Card since Wednesday night.

Last Updated: October 28, 2023, 11:40 AM EDT

The manhunt has ended for suspect Robert Card, who allegedly killed 18 people and injured 13 others in a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday evening. Gov. Janet Mills confirmed the suspect was found dead Friday night of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Wednesday's mass shooting unfolded in two locations: a bowling alley where a children's league was taking place and a local bar, officials said.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Oct 27, 2023, 5:28 pm

What we know about the victims

The names of the 18 people killed in Wednesday night's mass shooting in Maine were released by authorities on Friday.

The victims at the bowling alley include youth bowling coach Bob Violette and his wife Lucille Violette, as well as bowling alley manager Tommy Conrad.

Flags fly at half-staff on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Oct 26, 2023 to honor victims of the Oct. 25 mass-shooting in Lewiston Maine.
Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA via Shutterstock

Aaron Young, 14, and his father William "Bill" Young, 43, were also among the victims at the bowling alley, their family said.

Victims Steven Vozzella and Bill Brackett were among those killed at Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant. They were a part of a gathering of deaf people playing cornhole.

-ABC News' Whitney Lloyd

Oct 28, 2023, 11:36 AM EDT

Officials find letter from Maine shooting suspect

A note for a loved one was discovered in Robert Card's residence in which he left phone passcodes, bank account numbers and more. Investigators are working on accessing his phone and bank information through search warrants.

Police emphasized that the family has been highly cooperative. Sauschuck believes the first three individuals who positively identified the gunman based on released photos were family members.

On speculation about Card's mental health, Sauschuck stressed that "the vast majority of people with a mental health diagnosis will never hurt anybody. They won't hurt themselves. They're not a danger to the community."

He added that while a mental health component could play a role, there is still more research to be done. Sauschuck has not seen evidence that Card was “forcibly committed for treatment" regarding mental health.

Oct 28, 2023, 11:35 AM EDT

New details emerge in Card's death, shooting investigation

At this morning’s briefing, Maine Commissioner of Public Safety Michael Sauschuck revealed that authorities had twice cleared the Maine Recycling Corporation location where the suspect’s body was later found.

Robert Card’s body was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a trailer once a Maine State Police tactical team searched an overflow lot across the street on the advice of the plant’s owner.

A Maine state trooper guards the entrance to a recycling facility where law enforcement found the body of Robert Card, the suspect in this week's mass shootings, on Oct. 28, 2023, in Lisbon Falls, Maine.
Robert F. Bukaty/AP

Robert Card was employed by the recycling corporation as a commercial driver for approximately one year and left voluntarily late last spring, according to a statement from the company. Authorities say Card was therefore likely familiar with the area.

A gun found in Card's vehicle was a “long gun," but officials could not yet say the make and model. It was the only firearm that was found inside the car.

Sauschuck said investigators have received 821 tips and leads from the public.

People look at a refrigerator truck near the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley, one of the locations of the deadly mass shootings, in Lewiston, Maine, Oct. 28, 2023.
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.

Oct 28, 2023, 10:46 AM EDT

Officials launch resources for shooting victims, those impacted

Maine officials have opened up centers for shooting survivors and their loved ones to gather to access a number of resources, including mental health services, financial aid, spiritual care, and more.

The Family Assistance Center has been launched by Maine State Police in conjunction with the Maine Attorney General’s Office, the Red Cross, and the FBI Victim Services Division.

The hub, located at the Lewiston Armory, will remain open "for an adequate period of time to allow access for all victims."

Law enforcement will be present at the center to address safety and security concerns.

A separate site at the Ramada Inn will provide mental health assistance for the larger community.

Authorities urge those impacted by the shooting to reach out for assistance as the community grieves, directing residents to the Maine Crisis Line, a 24-hour confidential mental health service, the NAMI Maine Helpline for mental health resources, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and more.
"We are opening the family assistance center to do everything we can to meet the needs of those whose lives have been changed forever," said FBI Boston Division Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen, adding that over 40 victim specialists from across the country will be part of the effort.

She continued, "The toll this type of tragedy takes on victims’ and their families is immeasurable and we ask everyone to respect their privacy at this difficult time."

Officials have opened up centers for shooting survivors and their loved ones to gather to access a number of resources, including mental health services, financial aid, spiritual care, and more.
2:33

Maine officials launch resources for shooting victims, those impacted

Officials have opened up centers for shooting survivors and their loved ones to gather to access a number of resources, including mental health services, financial aid, spiritual care, and more.

Oct 27, 2023, 11:29 PM EDT

Biden on Maine shootings: 'This has been a tragic two days'

President Joe Biden issued a statement Friday night following the news that the suspect in the Maine mass shootings was found dead, saying, "This has been a tragic two days – not just for Lewiston, Maine, but for our entire country."

"Tonight we’re grateful that Lewiston and surrounding communities are safe after spending excruciating days hiding in their homes," Biden added.

Biden also thanked law enforcement, saying "they are the best of us," and, again, called on congressional Republicans to pass gun safety legislation.

"The Lewiston community – and all Americans – deserve nothing less," the president said.

-ABC News' Fritz Farrow

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